Liposuction, the Enemy of Fat

Pockets of fat — no matter how much you exercise or how many rice cakes you eat, odds are you have at least a few. It’s just a fact of life that in certain areas such as the lower abdomen, fat can accumulate, and it is very difficult to get rid of.

Unless you have Dr. Kearney liposuction it away.

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Liposuction was originally introduced in the U.S. in the early 1980s. In the early years, it was a pretty violent procedure. Patients needed to be under general anesthesia because the doctor had to move the cannula, the suction tube that is inserted under the skin, back and forth quite aggressively to break loose the fat. These movements created a great deal of tissue trauma and bleeding, which led to bruising that could last months before it fully cleared.

Today, liposuction with Dr. Kearney is much easier. The procedure is typically performed under sedation or “twilight” anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. He uses the tumescent technique, where a saline solution containing lidocaine and epinephrine is first injected into the target areas. This has three benefits: the lidocaine minimizes the pain and firms the fat, and epinephrine constricts the blood vessels, limiting blood loss and subsequent bruising. A cannula is then inserted to suction out the fat and liquid. The cannulas used in modern liposuction are much smaller, so the corresponding incisions needed to access the fat pockets are very small, usually not even requiring stitches.

Where can you have liposuction done?

As technology has progressed so have the areas that liposuction can be used. Now the question is where can’t you have liposuction? Dr. Kearney uses the procedure to remove stubborn fat in the abdomen, buttocks, inner knees, thighs, calves, ankles, back, hips, even under the chin.

What is involved in recovery after liposuction?

Following your procedure, the areas treated will be wrapped to reduce swelling, bruising, and pain. Compression garments are an important part of liposuction recovery. They will need to be worn on treated areas for one month following your liposuction. This not only reduces swelling but also helps the skin and tissue adapt to their new contours. There will be some bruising and swelling that will take up to 10 days to clear itself. Most patients can return to work in two or three days unless they have had multiple areas treated. In those cases, you may need a week off work. In most cases, scars are so small as to be virtually invisible.

Interested in bidding adieu to that stubborn fat? Call Dr. Kearney at 858-677-9352 and set up a consultation for liposuction. It may not be the trendiest cosmetic procedure, but it’s still one of the most effective.